Star Career Academy – Student Testimonials

Hi, my name is Linda Barone, I am an August 2011 graduate from Star Career Academy. When I enrolled in Star, I was 59 years old and am presently 61 and working as a phlebotomist at Deborah Hospital in Brown Hills, ranked one of the top 50 cardiology hospitals in the country.

While at Star I had a great experience, made new friends that I continue to see, learned new skills, have a new found confidence and even learned some life lessons along the way. I learned not to doubt myself at any age as long as I am able, there is much I can do and learn.

George Elliot the poet once wrote.... "IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO BE WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE BEEN".

Your choice of Star Career Academy is your start for success in the medical field. I have been granted great education that will translate into a rewarding job , and thanks to the staff and teachers I have obtained many skills and knowledge that not only prepared me for my medical externship, but thereafter as well. You will find teachers to be extremely helpful, professional, accommodating and understanding. Career Services is only the beginning of securing job placement but you will find that the externship site of your choice also offers placement if needed. I started receiving job offers right away and look forward to a great career as a medical assistant and phlebotomist. Star Career Academy is above and beyond the best choice for education and employment in the medical field. Thanks Star!

After retiring, I started my new career search and made the choice to become a Surgical Technologist. The first night I met with Ms. Charleen Wilson and when she finished explaining the program in more detail I was overwhelmed, but she helped to take all that away with her famous quote "It's your business". She taught me to believe in myself and to do my very best despite obstacles that may come our way. As it came time to enter the work world I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Tracy and Ms. Brenda in Career Services. They helped me to create a resume that employers are looking for in a Surgical Technician. They sent my resume to many employers, sending me on interviews and giving me career tips. With the help from all departments I was able to start my career as a Surgical Technologist at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland. Thanks Star Career Academy.

I would like to place on record that the best decision I took in my career change was to enroll myself for the culinary program offered at Star Career Academy, Philadelphia.

The dedication of the highly trained and experienced teachers and instructors as well as the curriculum under which the program has been designed has given me the confidence to face challenges in the competitive world of Culinary.

I sincerely thank the faculty and its efficient team members to have given me the opportunity to be able to look at my career with a new perspective...

I was unemployed for about two months when I saw the commercial for Star Career Academy advertising enrollments for Medical Assistant programs, Surgical Technologist programs, and Dialysis Technician programs as rewarding careers. The commercial was very convincing to me, and I didn't want to waste anytime enrolling into the Dialysis Technician program, training to become a patient care technician. I successfully completed the program in 10 months, and gained more than enough insight on dialysis and clinical theory. I was ready to put my skills to work as a patient care technician. In November 2011, I was hired by Fresenius Medical Center North America. Star Career Academy was a big help with me becoming employed again. They gave me the foundation i needed to reach the next level in my life. I can honestly say... I like my new job and everything I was taught at Star Career Academy... I'm applying it every day at work. Thank you Star!

I had a fun time learning loads of material on EMS, preparing me perfectly for EMS field.  I was able to find a Paramedic job soon after and now I am working for TUH T3 where I continue to grow and improve my clinical skills at the critical care level. I will strongly recommend this school to any student who wants a real and high quality training.  Thanks Star Career Academy and I'll be back for CE's and TA'ing when I can!

Star was more than just a classroom education, through clinicals in the field I was able to get hands-on experience to practice and perfect the same skills that I use every day as a member of Fire Rescue. Star also guided me to my first job in EMS, I will always remain grateful to Star because it was the starting point for what has been a very rewarding career.

I am very satisfied with the Professional Cooking program at the Star Career Academy. The program has turned my life around in a whole different direction. I am now actually working in a field that I can say I truly enjoy.  I’ve always had a passion and a love for food and cooking but the training that I received and the skills that I have acquired along this journey has really brought out my true creative side. Not only have I gained the necessary skills needed for this field but I have also come across some amazing people and mentors

The culinary teams are very knowledgeable, and are all highly experienced and reputable Chefs. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to enter into the culinary field.

I started my new career search after retiring from the Pennsylvania Prison System, when I made the choice to become a Surgical Technologist. I had no knowledge of what it was or what it consisted of. I went to the school and met Ms. Joyce in admissions who gave me a brief description of the program. The process was very easy and simple and I started within a couple of days.

The first night I met Ms. Charleen Wilson and when she got finished explaining the program in more detail I was so overwhelmed, but she helped to take all that a way with her famous quote “It’s your Business”.  She taught me to believe in myself and to do my very best despite obstacles that might come our way.

As it came time to enter the work world I had the pleasure of meeting Ms Tracy and Ms. Brenda in Career Services. They helped me to create a resume that employers are looking for in a Surgical Technician. They sent my resume to many employers, sending me on interviews and giving me career tips.

With the help from all departments I was able to start my career as a Surgical Technologist at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland. Thank Star Career Academy.

I would like to say that as a former student, who graduated from the Star Career Academy in March 2010, my life has clearly been affected in a positive manner. I had some previous medical experience, but at the time when I was choosing the class of Surgical Technology, I really didn’t know what it entailed. Beginning with my initial interview, to the financial aid process, to the teacher that I was given, who stayed after many days in order to get the best out of me. Everyone played a key role in where I am today. Star gave me the tools and every opportunity to exceed in the field of Surgical Technology.

Believe me, there were many challenges along the way. I was working a night job at a McDonald’s restaurant before going straight to class in the morning. I also had no transportation during this time. I did not let that stop the desire I had to continue to become a surgical technician. I have since become a Certified Surgical Technologist, working at a wonderful Surgery Center in my area. I also have had the chance to touch the lives of others who possibly want to get into the same field, and I know that all of this is just the beginning. I believe that there is much more to come in my life, and I am embracing what I have going forward. This beginning is one that would not have happened without Star Career Academy, without faith in God, and without an opportunity for men and women who want more out of life, to be given a chance to do something about it.

My name is Kelly Cooper and I am a 2010 graduate from Star Career Academy in English Creek, NJ. I am a thirty-five year old mother of three and have been happily married for seventeen years. Being a young wife and mother, I was fortunate to stay at home for thirteen years and take care of my children. As the kids grew older and their needs more expensive, I decided it was time for me to go to work. I was able to obtain a job in our local school district as an instructional aide. Even though the job was rewarding and convenient, the pay was minimal for the responsibility it carried. In January of 2009, I opened my W2 and realized it was time for me to begin to fulfill a lifelong dream and go back to school.

After researching options and opportunities, I registered in a Medical Assistant Program at Star Career Academy that following week. My journey had begun, and going to school four nights a week allowed me to continue working while furthering my education. Even though juggling work, school and everyday life was not easy, I graduated February 4, 2010, with certifications in Phlebotomy and Medical Assisting.

Prior to graduation, I began looking for career opportunities in the field I was entering. In December 2009, I was hired at Health Network Laboratories as a Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist. Now, with the doors wide open with opportunities, I was able to do my externship while gaining valuable field experience on the job. This was just the stepping-stone for me. Nearly a year later, in December 2010, I was hired at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Galloway, New Jersey, where I am currently employed as an Emergency Room Technician.

My story doesn’t stop there. I recently returned to Star Career Academy, entering the Cardiovascular Technician Program. Not only will this help with my current position, but hopefully help to fulfill my ultimate goal of entering Jefferson Hospital’s Echo Sonography Program in the fall.

Everyone says “I should have” or “I want to”, but it is what you do that defines you in life. Star Career Academy has given me the opportunity to say “I was able to” in a shorter time frame, and to continue obtaining valuable field experience while working (with a young family of three busy children, time is precious). Being able to go to school, while working, helps make life easier. In today’s world, that is priceless!

I have been on the Culinary Advisory Board for the past ten years. During that time I have seen incredible growth within the campus. At South Nassau Communities Hospital, I had taken on numerous interns that have since been retained for employment with my organization.

In today’s market, it is refreshing to mentor young students that are passionate about our noble profession. Many of them, through hard work and perseverance, have moved up the ranks into leadership roles. It is clear that the Academy’s instructors work hard to prepare these students for their first experience in the food service industry. Educators truly understand the demands of our industry, as many of their portfolios reflect a diverse culinary background.

I am proud to be a part of the Academy and to be associated with the instructors and administration. When you visit the academy, “professionalism” is the only word that applies.

Being a professional chef is the greatest profession in the world; a profession that stimulates your entire well-being. It develops your artistic and creative abilities like no other profession. You get to work with your hands and your mind simultaneously, while inspiring and motivating others. Satisfying people through the application of food is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It invigorates me each and every day.

The recipe for success is a collaborative approach to good, solid student preparation. This is enhanced by the intern facilities along with the industry’s finest professional chefs. Together, we are developing the future of our industry.

Stephen Bello, CEC, CCA, AAC
South Nassau Communities Hospital
Advisory Board Member

Your internship program has been extremely successful at the Park Central Hotel. Students integrate easily into our operation because of the knowledge and skills learned in their classes. Several graduates are now employed at our property in full-time positions.

Brian Turschmann
Hotel Manager
Park Central Hotel
870 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019

Your school has provided the best of the best interns for the Flatotel! Over the past two years, we have been among the select choice of hotels where your students enjoy completing their internships on site. They come to us with knowledge of procedures within the Front Office, Sales, Housekeeping and Food & Beverage, which has helped us a great deal with regard to time otherwise spent in training new employees from scratch.

Recently, we hired an outstanding intern who has since been promoted to our Group Sales Department. She’s been part of the Flatotel family for more than one year now. Her enthusiasm today is the same as it was the day we met her. Outstanding!

Clayton C. Channing
Reservations/Revenue Manager
Flatotel International, New York

My instructor was very knowledgeable and was able to teach me the skills I needed to obtain a rewarding job as a multi-skilled tech. The knowledge I was given at Star Tech also gave me the ability to have a career in life.

My time at Star Career Academy was a life-changing experience. It gave me the opportunity to do something positive with my life.

I would recommend the school to anyone who would like to either start or further their education in the medical field.

I love my class, the skills I have learned, and look forward to the opportunities that I will have working as a professional in the healthcare field.

Before I came to Star, I would sleep all day long. I started giving up on following my dreams. But one, day Mrs. Joyce called me and told me to come in for a meeting, I was so happy. I knew this was a sign for me to keep going after my dreams. I came in for the meeting and Mrs. Joyce started telling me about the Professional Culinary Program, and told me if I was serious about it she would get me into the class the next day. Now I know it was a sign to follow my dream. I was so excited. Mrs. Joyce took me to get fitted for my uniform and Chef Becky had me start right away.

Now that I’ve started classes, I get up every day at 6:30am and get ready for school. It feels amazing to know that I am following my dream in the culinary industry. I feel like I am making something of my life and it’s all thanks to Mrs. Joyce and the Star Career Academy.

I was taught all of the technical and personal skills I needed to be very successful in the field.

It was a long, hard road, but I’ve made it with their help.

I want to thank you so much for my experience so far, as Star Career Academy has been so good. Honestly, I never thought I would go to school for Professional Cooking, but I realized I love this profession, and the profession will help me take care of my family in the long run.

And on a personal level – Mrs. Joyce, I love your support. I love the fact you actually call me to make sure I’m going to school, and see how I’m doing in class. When I was in Lincoln Tech, they didn’t care. They never once called to see how I was doing. They don’t have the same support system as Star Career Academy.

I love this school and the people involved, for helping me get my life together. Thank you.

P.S.: I’m still new in the classroom, and can’t wait to be in the kitchen.

I'm very interested in going to Star Career Academy, because here – they stress essentials of culinary without all the expensive costs involved. Here, we get the personal attention that’s needed and they pay attention to detail. I attended the Art Institute, where they think of you as just a number to be stamped. I like that Joyce was persistent. The process was very easy and they cared about me.